Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

Jesperi Kotkaniemi is having a miserable season in Carolina.

The center is inconsistent, he’s not producing up to expectations…

And his 25 points in 74 games are disappointing for the salary he earns ($4.825M per season).

Rod Brind’Amour has had enough, obviously, because he’s made an important decision concerning his young player.

The Hurricanes host the Boston Bruins at home tonight… And Kotkaniemi will be left out for the occasion.

Jesper Fast will take his place in the line-up:

The descent into hell continues for the former Habs player, who has never reached his full potential since his arrival in the NHL.

Yet his good start to the season led us to believe that he had reached a certain level of maturity… But that’s clearly not the case.

After all, this is a big message for him, and it comes in the Hurricanes’ 76th game of the season.

KK will have to work hard to get back into the line-up in time for the playoffs, and he’ll have to work hard to show his coach that he can help the team.

It’s up to him… even if it’s going to be pretty tough.

It’s ironic, too, because it’s reminiscent of the Hurricanes’ comments and nonsense when KK accepted Don Waddell’s hostile offer a few years ago.

You know, the term “he who laughs last, laughs hard”… It seems he’s perfect in this situation, hehe.

In bursts

– He really is. Good for him.

– Great saves!

– Ayoye.

– Meanwhile, in Quebec…

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Mavericks ride 'Luka Magic' on both ends late to win Game 1
Panthers shut out Rangers 3-0 in Eastern Conference Final opener
NBA announces 2023-24 All-NBA teams
Star Padres infielder to miss significant time with shoulder injury
LeBron James, Charles Barkley passionately defend Caitlin Clark from 'petty' haters
Roger Goodell discusses factors for possible 18-game NFL season
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott has intriguing comment on his contract situation
Celtics toying around with surprise Jayson Tatum move in conference finals
Former teammate warns Tee Higgins about pitfalls of playing on franchise tag
Watch: Timberwolves and Mavericks trade dunks in third quarter
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner tempers expectations for Juan Soto extension
Canucks' Rick Tocchet wins 2024 Jack Adams Award
Incredible Orioles streak finally comes to end against Cardinals
Raiders QB shares surprising reason for switching jersey number
New Jersey Devils to hire just-fired head coach to lead bench
Latest announcements show how deep Knicks' injury issues ran
Veteran WR announces retirement after nine seasons
Eagles stars defend new DC following criticism
Steelers first-round pick still confident following 'rough' practice
Angel Reese pulls notable sports ownership move

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.